Maintaining your electric kettle is important for a variety of reasons – it will extend its lifespan, keep your tea or coffee fresh and keep the kettle looking its best. But, like any kitchen appliance, it goes beyond simply popping it in the dishwasher or scrubbing it with soap and water. Below, we answer some common questions about descaling an electric kettle.
Why do you need to descale your electric kettle?
Water contains natural minerals such as calcium carbonate and magnesium. When you boil water, the heat causes these minerals to precipitate inside the kettle, forming a chalky white deposit known as limescale. Descaling your electric kettle can help remove this buildup. While limescale is not harmful to your health, it can damage your kettle, making it less efficient and making it take longer to boil water. It also affects the taste of the water.
How do you remove limescale from an electric kettle?
You can descale your kettle with a solution of water and vinegar. It’s slightly acidic, which helps break down mineral buildup. Fill your kettle with equal parts water and vinegar and bring it to a boil. If you don’t have vinegar on hand, you can also use baking soda or lemon juice. If you use baking soda, add 1 to 2 tablespoons to 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. For lemon juice, either cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice out, or use 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Then add the juice to 1 cup of water, mix, and bring to a boil.
Leave the solution in the kettle for 15-20 minutes or overnight, depending on the amount of mineral buildup and how long it’s been since you descaled your kettle. Then pour out the water and wipe the inside with a sponge, soft cloth or soft-bristled sponge. Repeat the process if there is still limescale remaining.
How often should you descale your electric kettle?
If you live in an area with hard water (water with a high mineral content), you should descale your kettle every three months. If you live in an area with soft water (water with a low mineral content), you can wait a little longer. However, you should also descale if you notice mineral deposits in your kettle, your tea or coffee starts to taste a little strange, or you notice granular deposits in the bottom of your mugs.
